Blogger Spotlight…Secret Plus Size Goddess

Today we are having a chat with the lovely Tanya from Secret Plus Size Goddess. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Tanya for almost 2 years now and I’m chuffed to be turning the spotlight on her for this week’s #PSBloggerBabes…

150 years down the line someone somewhere stumbles across this interview. What would you like them to know about you and what inspired you to start blogging?

I would like them to know that life is short and to live every day. Never waste a second of your time of worrying what people think about you, your style or your life. Make yourself happy and you will make the people around you happy too. Tomorrow is never promised so have a fun life with lots of adventures and surround yourself with people you love and who love you.

I started blogging at 40 years old, after many many years of hating my body, my lifestyle and was miserable. I started wearing vintage style clothing, started writing, started living and I have never regretted a second of it!

If you could choose your age forever, what age would it be and why?

Age 43 (now) it has when I have been the most confident and having many adventures with new friends. I have literally loved every second of my 40’s to be honest.

In an ideal world, what would be your blog working environment versus what the reality is?

My environment would be a lovely white room, with multicolour highlights (fuchsia, turquoise, lemon, purple, green) and accessories. I would have an extra long wooden desk with an ergonomic desk chair. I would have folders and trays and box files in all the colours and a big Apple Mac computer. Venetian blinds at the window. An Amazon Alexa to provide light background music. Succulent plants and ferns would hang from the ceiling and on metal rods around the room. Utter bliss.

Reality is that I have a small dark wood desk with a kitchen chair situated in the corner of my living room. The only thing it has in common with my dream is an Amazon Alexa. I hate it!

This was all about an unpleasant trip to London. In fact, in the three years I have been dressing this way, it is the only time I have received attitudes like that day. The reason I chose it was because I think it is well written, it has had quite a few comments and one of the most read pieces I have ever published.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is vintage. Big petticoats under a huge skirted swing dress, hats, gloves, bangles, handbags; all original 40’s and 50’s. Cats eye glasses and leather sturdy sandals all finish it off. OR Slinky form fitting wiggle dresses (yes I am a size 24-26) turbans, hair flowers and vintage hairstyles. I do mix it up quite a bit and am not always specific to an era, but if I like it, I will wear it.

Show us your favourite picture of yourself and why?

Oh this is a tough one! Being a prolific photograph taker and a social media addict you would think I would have chosen some glamorous pose. But no.

My favourite photo is one of me on holiday at Jaywick Sands. I am around 3 years old and I had just been taken to the funfair and seen my first ferris wheel. My mum said I was fascinated by it and just stared at it like I was hypnotised.

I love everything about this shot. The 70’s fashion. The look on my face. It was also one of my late dad’s favourites, which makes it more special.

What has been the biggest change in your life since you started blogging?

The biggest change has been my attitude. I started out with little confidence but with the need to try and become more body positive and happy with my shape and size. Now feel that I have attained quite a lot of that. I’m kinder to myself, not so judgemental and also realised that body shaming exists from the skinniest of people, to the largest and is not acceptable in any way, shape or form. I have made myself happy and with that my confidence has blossomed.

What is the single most important thing you’d like people to take away from reading your blog?

As I have previously mentioned, life is to short and to make the most of every day, surrounded by loved ones. You only have one life, so don’t waste it being miserable and wishing you could do things, but never trying. My motto for the last three years has been “What’s the worst that can happen”

Now for our quick fire ten…

What is your favourite ice cream flavour? Basil Lemon (from Gelato Rosa in Budapest).If money were no object, where in the world would you go on holiday? Fiji; first class of course.What’s your favourite season? Autumn.Would you rather be a giant rodent or a tiny elephant? Tiny elephant as it would be so cute, but a giant rodent would be scary as hell!Last film you watched? Doctor Strange.Do you have a nickname and if yes, what is it? T or Tan.If you had your human body, but the head of an animal, what animal would it be? A cat like the goddess Bastet from Ancient Egypt.What do you usually eat for breakfast? Nothing at all.Who would play you in the movie of your life story? The late Victoria Wood or Hattie Jacques.Most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Getting engaged after 8 weeks of knowing each other (and I was 16) We are still together 27 years later though.

2 thoughts on “Blogger Spotlight…Secret Plus Size Goddess”

WELL of course I had to comment!
Thank you so much for featuring me on your blogger spotlight. It was an honour to be asked, and I loved some of your quirky questions. I also think you should answer your own blogger spotlight and let us know more about you!